Unit 48:

Unit code: QCF level: Credit value:

Songwriting Techniques and Skills

M/601/1606 4
15
Unit aim

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop and use the specialised techniques of a
songwriter and to foster the skills needed to bring songs to performance.

Unit abstract

Writing songs is a specialised area within the wider discipline of composition. It does not
automatically follow that all composers can write successful songs. Songwriting is an art form
that encompasses all periods and styles, having a history that can be traced back centuries.
In more serious classical styles, composers such as Franz Schubert and Hugo Wolfe stand
supreme in this art form.
Contemporary pop music is very dependent on songs and songwriting, regardless of style or
genre (heavy metal, acoustic, bands or solo artists) and has become an important art form in
its own right. Purely instrumental pop compositions are in the minority. Furthermore, the
singer- songwriter is a popular music phenomenon which does not occur in classical music.
The Beatles changed the face of pop music in the 1960s with their fresh approach to the
sound and content of their songs but their resultant influence on music can be attributed as
much to Lennon and McCartney writing their own songs as to their performances.
A song is a complete composition in microcosm. The ingredients of a song flowing,
memorable melody lines and lyrics, chord progressions, accompaniment figures are
elements of composition in miniature. On completion of this unit the learners will be able to
understand and acquire these skills together with the process of writing songs, working with
other musicians in the process.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. 1 Be able to use advanced techniques in relation to the setting of song lyrics
2. 2 Understand advanced techniques in relation to the use of melody, harmony and
instrumentation
3. 3 Be able to develop songwriting skills through workshop and rehearsal techniques
4. 4 Be able to compile a showreel of original compositions.
UNIT 48: SONGWRITING TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS
BH029654 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music Issue 2 October 2011
Pearson Education Limited 2011

UNIT 48: SONGWRITING TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS

Unit content
1.

2.

3.

4.

1 Be able to use advanced techniques in relation to the setting of song lyrics

Lyrics: eg word setting using both original words and/or existing text, humour and
pathos, prosody and rhyme, literary devices, versification and word setting, musical
pulse and word scan, suitable melodic use, melismatic phrasing
Form and structure: eg free and established forms, introduction, verse, chorus,
instrumental, middle eight and coda, lead sheet layout and structure
2 Understand advanced techniques in relation to the use of melody, harmony
and instrumentation
Harmony: structures eg chord sequences, melodic writing, the hook, rhythm,
modulation, tonality and chromaticism
Style and instrumentation: eg writing in a wide variety of free, established and
contemporary art forms, stylistic writing and arrangement for voices with instruments
(keyboard/piano, orchestral instruments, pop group, jazz ensembles and big band,
other free combinations)
3 Be able to develop songwriting skills through workshop and rehearsal
techniques
Experimentation: eg jamming, changing style and structure, using instrumental
resources, effective use of techniques and games (cut-ups, rhyming games etc),
word play and improvisation, using technology
Inspiration: eg literary sources, social commentary, personal experiences, historical
sources, analysis of other songwriters techniques, ballads, love songs, films,
incidental music, drama, comedy, books and poems
Songwriters tools: eg lyric books, note books, sketch books, technological tools
(hardware sequencers, portable recording equipment, MIDI workstations, DAW etc),
rhyming dictionary, auto-accompaniment software, musical games (singing different
lyrics to a given melody and vice versa etc)
4 Be able to compile a showreel of original compositions
Audience: eg audience feedback, showcasing, agents, demo, theme, concept,
marketing
Showreel: eg personal publicity package, professional implications, Musicians Union,
singer, song delivery, targeting, copyright, publishing

BH029654 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music Issue 2 October 2011
Pearson Education Limited 2011

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

UNIT 48: SONGWRITING TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS

Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria for pass

On successful completion of this unit

The learner can:
a learner will:

1.1 produce a portfolio of songs using original and/or

LO1Be able to use advanced techniques devised lyrics in varying styles
1.2 illustrate disciplined control of form and structure in
in relation to the setting of song lyrics
a varied portfolio of songs

1.
LO2Understand advanced techniques in
relation to the use of melody, harmony
and instrumentation

2.

1.
LO3Be able to develop songwriting skills
through workshop and rehearsal
techniques

2.
3.

LO4Be able to compile a showreel of

original compositions.

2.1 analyse the harmonic structure of a variety

of original songs or compositions
2.2 illustrate control of melody, harmony and
instrumentation by producing a portfolio of
songs or compositions in a variety of styles

3.1 direct successful workshop developments

and rehearsals working with musicians to
produce original compositions
3.2 present sources of inspiration for songs or
compositions
3.3 use songwriting tools effectively

4.1 present original material to a variety of audiences

4.2 make a targeted showreel publicity package with
due regard to copyright and other professional
implications.